Five Inexpensive Ways to Feed Your Movie Habit
photo credit: cyclone bill
Going to the movie theater on a regular basis can turn into a very expensive way to spend your time. First, movie tickets can run almost as high as $10. When you purchase a drink and snack, you can expect to spend as much as $20 for each person. That’s a hefty hunk of change for two hours of entertainment. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can manage your movie habit instead of allowing it to manage you.
Movie Night at Home – However you look at it, watching movies at home is always going to be cheaper than going to the theater. Nothing beats the thrill of finding one of your favorite movie classics on television. Why not make a night of it and enjoy your good fortune? Introduce your favorite flick to a friend and let him return the favor on your next movie night.
Rental Movies or Pay-Per-View Movies – When you just can’t stand the thought of having your movie night interrupted by the commercials that are so prevalent on television, you can still enjoy a movie in the comfort of your own home. Renting a move from a rental chain like Blockbuster or watching one of the pay-per-view movies available on most cable or satellite television systems is still a lot less expensive than taking your whole family to the movie theatre.
Discounted Movie Tickets – If you decide that you simply can’t do without the atmosphere found in the movie theater, make sure that you take advantage of any applicable discounts when you purchase your ticket. If you qualify for a senior citizen or student discount, don’t be bashful about reminding the cashier.
Check out Earlier Movie Times – Another great way to see your movie at the theater without blowing your entertainment budget is to visit the theater during matinee times. Matinee shows are usually several dollars less than the same show will cost during the evening hours. Make sure that you check with your preferred theater, though, to find out when their specific matinee times are.
Coupons – Many discount books, such as the popular Entertainment Book, will feature coupons that offer discounts on movie tickets. In addition, if you regularly attend the theater you should investigate any rewards programs that the theater might have. Sometimes you can get free snacks or even a free ticket after a certain number of visits.
If you liked this article, please
Subscribe
There are also still some second run movie theaters around.
Let me also add being a secret shopper. I’m in a program for my local theater, and we get tickets for 2 four times a year, plus a 20 dollar concession stand card for each visit.
I have to admit that I paid (yeeks) $50 to be in the program, but so far, it seems like a pretty good deal to me.
Great tips, thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Austin
And when renting, try Redbox! I am its biggest fan, I think. $1 overnight rentals of new releases, from the comfort of my local grocery store or Wal-Mart.